Restaurants

Could language be a barrier? Is there large turnover in servers? Inexperienced servers?

Make sure you have time to explain your diet and restrictions.

Consider calling ahead if it’s your first time to this restaurant.

Dine early or late

Explain restrictions briefly (You can also carry a restaurant card that explains this.)

“Hi, I made need help with the menu. I have a medically restricted diet and I am gluten intolerant so I can’t eat wheat, barley or malt, rye or oats. Also, my food should not come in contact with anything that has gluten in it.”

“I would like to order the fish. Is it breaded or marinated? Can I have it grilled with no sauce? Can you make sure the grill has not been used for something breaded?”

Potential questions with menu items:

Salads – Does dressing have wheat or malt? Can you leave off croutons?

Marinades/seasonings – Is it made here? What is it marinated in? Soy sauce used? Thickened with flour?